[Bernard23]

Agree, the pads are so integral to the sound signature, changing pads essentially turns it into a different headphone. Way more of an impact on sound than amps, dacs or other things we agonize over.

This is very true, even the position of them on your ear has a big effect on tonal balance even before you start swapping pads. Unsurprisingly, the F pad alters the balance of other phones, it really tames my 325e. Its useful to have a full range of pads anyway, given how cheap the Geekria ones are, as they do have a significant effect; F bring the darkest / biggest impact to G being lightest and most spacious.

 

[VinMAC]

I agree, though there does seem to be some dissent. I was reading a review of the Hemps by someone on Head-Fi that said they sound the best with the Geekria L's. I disagree with that and it seems like most everyone else commenting here does as well.

I also agree! I tested the Greekria L and LL on the GH2, RS2e and the GS1000i and for me the sound was not so precise as with the stock pads. The difference was clearly audible for me.

 

[Rebel Chris]

New member of the family. Need to find out how they sound.

 

[Kike6685]

My treasure

 

[Bernard23]

New member of the family. Need to find out how they sound.

I'm still puzzled why the UK seems to be unique in having the "vegan friendly" cheap vinyl headband, whereas the RoW gets a nice leather one!

 

[El Sordo]

Unfortunately, I really disliked my Hemps with the G pads, the stock pads by far sound the best to me

Everything you say resonates with me so much, I was told by quite a few people that my taste in Grados was because I haven't heard anything better and since this was when I was new to this hobby I thought that may be true, I went on a binge buying headphones which were supposed to be "better", well 30-40 headphones later I've learnt my lesson and I'm back to Grado for good, Grado has me as a customer for life

I've always found their insistence a bit odd. They'll even go after guys like Steve Guttenberg. Dude has been reviewing headphones for decades and has heard probably every headphone made but still loves Grado and they kill him for it. Just seems strange to me that they're so abrasive about something that is fairly subjective.

 

[chaosMonkey]

Hemp vs SR80. Worth the leap, and the 4x multiple?

 

[Rebel Chris]

When I listen to an intro like this, I know why I love Grado's. Hemp is a fun headphone. I quite like the on-ear pad thing.

 

[Joaquin Dinero]

Hemp vs SR80. Worth the leap, and the 4x multiple?

Yes.

But if $$ was an issue for someone the SR80 is still quite good.

 

[El Sordo]

Hemp vs SR80. Worth the leap, and the 4x multiple?

My guess is that since you're on Head-Fi, the Hemps are probably worth it to you but only you can know that since value is subjective. My gf thinks I paid an insane amount of money for the Hemps but I think she paid an insane amount of money for her Airpods Pro, which sound like lifeless pieces of garbage to me. Their value is in their noise cancellation, which isn't something I care about. What the Hemps provide is what I care about.

 

[TooFrank]

Hemp vs SR80. Worth the leap, and the 4x multiple?

You won’t look back....

 

[Damien Grief]

Hemp vs SR80. Worth the leap, and the 4x multiple?

Hemp cost less than they're actually worth, IMO. They should be a $500+ headphone. Great value and a limited edition. They're great.

 

[Rebel Chris]

Second that. I do really enjoy them. Worth any penny.

 

[chaosMonkey]

Thanks for the feedback. I have an almost 20 year old pair of SR80's now. This fall, I added a Shiit Vali 2+ and Modi 3+ to the mix. I'm a very, very happy camper. Even after all these years, the Grado's make music sound like music. I generally only switch out the SR80s when I'm craving some more bass. The Hemps are so very, very tempting, especially if they bring some extra bass to the game.

 

[YtseJamer]

The Hemp can even compete with some headphones that I have paid more than $1000..